Brazilian footwear companies exported just over 8 million pairs of shoes during July, according to the latest figures from Brazilian footwear association Abicalçados.

The exports were worth US$79.35 million. These figures represent a 6.8% drop in volume, but a 0.9% increase in value. The average price of each pair was $9.86.

During the first seven months of the year, Brazil has exported 67.4 million pairs of shoes for a value of US$608 million, respective increases of 1.3% and 14.7%.

Abicalçados executive president, Heitor Klein, explained that the value of the Brazilian Real against the US dollar has made Brazilian footwear less competitive on the international market. He said the high cost of production in Brazil means the country is losing ground to some of its international competitors.